Ravichandran Ashwin is a captain’s delight. Since making his ODI debut in 2010, the 28-year-old off-spinner from Tamil Nadu has become an indispensable part of the Indian attack.
Once known as an unorthodox bowler who could bowl with a lot of variety, Ashwin has grown over the years into a versatile bowler, thanks to his control and accuracy, and strategy for every batsman. He has 124 Test scalps and 136 ODI wickets.
In the first ODI against Bangladesh here on Thursday, he showed why he is so important in India’s scheme of things. Though the host amassed more than 300 runs, Ashwin’s bowling remained the lone bright spot for the tourists.
After taking a while to find his rhythm, Ashwin, who bowled three overs for 26 in his first spell, came back strongly in his next spell to claim three wickets in four overs, and check Bangladesh’s run flow.
The Indian captain, M.S. Dhoni, has appreciated the off-spinner’s growth, including his improved showing with the bat, in the last five years. “He is a thinking cricketer,” Dhoni observes. “You try to do things in a different way, but what is important for the individual is to keep learning in every game.”
The off-spinner, who made his Test debut more than a year after playing in an ODI, has excelled in the longer version of the game too.
He has made two centuries in Tests too. The recent Test at Fatullah, where Ashwin claimed five wickets and outshone the seasoned and more experienced Harbhajan Singh, was ample proof of his increasing command.
PricelessIndia Test captain Virat Kohli terms the off-spinner “priceless.” “In a sub-continent Test, you won’t get any better than him. He can bowl at right- and left-handers, he can deceive batsmen with pace, spin, bounce… you name it, he has it.
“He can perform with the bat as well.
“He doesn’t look like it, but he is pretty aggressive in Test matches and he scores at a strike-rate of 66-67, which is pretty good. Once he gets going, he understands the game well.
“As a captain, you don’t need to tell him much because he is very clear about what he wants to do. I am pretty confident of his contribution in the coming season, and he is going to be really important for us. He is pretty geared up as well,” adds Kohli.
One looks forward to bigger exploits from Ashwin, who nurses an ambition to open the innings in a Test. With the bat!
